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05.29.18

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Pokémon games unveiled for Nintendo Switch

During a special Pokémon press conference in Tokyo today, The Pokémon
Company International and Nintendo announced three new ways to play
Pokémon for Nintendo Switch™—Pokémon:
Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon:
Let’s Go, Eevee!, and the free-to-start Pokémon
Quest. With the addition of these new titles, Pokémon is
broadening the scope of video game offerings from the franchise to
appeal to its wide variety of fans at all player levels. Pokémon also
announced that the next introduction to its popular core RPG series,
which was teased last year at E3, will arrive in late 2019 on Nintendo
Switch for the first time.

Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s
Go, Eevee!

With Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s
Go, Eevee!, Pokémon is inviting fans on a new journey by taking them
back to a familiar setting. Inspired by Pokémon
Yellow, which was originally released in Japan on Nintendo’s
Game Boy in 1998, these two new titles feature many of the intuitive
gameplay functions offered to players in the hugely popular Pokémon GO
and are designed for players taking their first steps into the Pokémon
video game world. Trainers will embark on an epic adventure set in the
iconic Kanto region joined by their trusty Pikachu in Pokémon: Let’s
Go, Pikachu! or Eevee in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! They
feature brand new gameplay to make the most of the unique capabilities
of Nintendo Switch, such as throwing Poké Balls to catch Pokémon by
swinging Joy-Con™ controllers, as well as the opportunity for family and
friends to battle and explore together in a new two-player mode. The
games were unveiled in partnership with GAME FREAK, the games’
developers and original creators of the Pokémon video game franchise.

“With the launch of Pokémon GO in 2016 and the global sensation that
ensued, millions of new players were introduced to the world of
Pokémon,” said Junichi Masuda, director at GAME FREAK inc. “For many
people, Pokémon GO was their first experience with the Pokémon brand, so
we have crafted these two new titles to be an accessible entry point to
our core RPG series while giving our longtime fans a new way to play
Pokémon.”

The connection between these two new titles and Pokémon GO doesn’t end
there - literally. GAME FREAK and The Pokémon Company teamed up with
Niantic to bring next-level innovation by offering players the ability
to connect their Pokémon GO to their Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! game. Players can catch
Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region in Pokémon GO and then
transfer them into their Nintendo Switch adventure. Something special
will also be coming to the world of Pokémon GO, making the connection
between both games even more appealing for Trainers. Details for this
will be revealed in the near future.

The Poké Ball Plus*
a device that can be used to play Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! in place of a Joy-Con or
alongside Pokémon GO instead of the Pokémon GO Plus, was also unveiled,
continuing the innovative ways to connect the games. The Poké Ball Plus
features motion controls, lights up with a variety of colors, vibrates,
and plays sounds. When catching a Pokémon in the Nintendo Switch games,
players will be able to feel it moving within the device. It also does
more than function as a controller—using the Poké Ball Plus, players can
bring one of their Pokémon from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! with them as they explore
the real world, giving Trainers the opportunity to spend time with
favorite Pokémon even when they’re not playing the game. Additionally,
Trainers can receive a variety of rewards once Pokémon are returned to
the Nintendo Switch games.

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go,
Eevee! will launch on November 16, 2018, exclusively on Nintendo
Switch. The Poké Ball Plus will be available at participating retailers
on the same day.

Pokémon Quest, a rambunctious action RPG game, was also
revealed at the press conference, along with the surprise for fans that
it is available today on Nintendo eShop. Developed by GAME FREAK, Pokémon
Quest takes players across Tumblecube Island, where everything’s a
cube—including the Pokémon. Travel the length and breadth of the island
hunting for treasure, battling with wild Pokémon, discovering unexplored
territories, and even cooking tasty treats to tempt new Pokémon to join
your party.

Gameplay features of Pokémon Quest include:

Battle by tapping—Pokémon Quest uses simple touch
controls that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Befriend many Pokémon—Use items collected throughout expeditions to
befriend a wide array of Pokémon.

Create your Pokémon dream team—Partner with three of your Pokémon
friends to battle through diverse environments.

Pokémon unique to you—Use different Power Stones to personalize your
Pokémon friends however you want and give them unique stats.

Customize your base camp—Decorate your home with cute and fun
collectibles that not only look good, but can provide in-game benefits.

"This new Pokémon title, developed by GAME FREAK, lets players explore
the island of Tumblecube with their team of cute, cube-shaped characters
known as Pokéxel,” said Shigeru Ohmori, director at GAME FREAK. “Players
will be able to personalize their Pokémon and develop a strong bond with
their Pokémon friends while battling their way through the adventure.
With the simple touch-screen controls, Pokémon Quest is a
game that Pokémon fans of all ages can pick up and play.”

*The Poké Ball Plus will be sold separately and is not included with Pokémon:
Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!
At the time of release, the Poké Ball Plus will only be compatible with
Pokémon Go, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon:
Let’s Go, Eevee! and will not be compatible with any other
Nintendo Switch software.